As a new parent, it’s heart-wrenching to see your baby unsettled and uncomfortable. While various remedies are often suggested, chiropractic care offers a gentle, evidence-based approach to support your infant’s well-being.
Understanding Infant Discomfort
Newborns primarily focus on feeding, digesting, and sleeping to support their rapid growth. Disruptions in these processes can lead to discomfort, often resulting from an imbalance in the autonomic nervous system. When the parasympathetic nervous system, responsible for “rest and digest” functions, is compromised, infants may remain in a “fight or flight” state, leading to:
- Inconsolable crying, especially in the late afternoon and evening.
- Distended abdomen indicating digestive discomfort.
- Flexed-up legs and clenched fists due to pain.
- Frequent feeding as a self-soothing mechanism.
- Arching of the back and pulling away during breastfeeding.
- Excessive or projectile reflux.
- Short, restless sleep periods.
- Developing uneven head shape from constant tension.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care aims to address these issues by ensuring proper nervous system function. Dr. Heidi Haavik, a chiropractor and neurophysiologist, has extensively researched how chiropractic adjustments can positively influence brain and nervous system function. Her work suggests that gentle spinal adjustments may help restore balance to the autonomic nervous system, promoting better digestion, sleep, and overall comfort for infants.
Dr. Monique Andrews, known as “Dr. Mo Knows,” emphasizes the importance of a well-functioning nervous system in infants. She notes that chiropractic care can lead to significant improvements in neurological and developmental functioning, as observed through both parent surveys and developmental assessments.
Safety and Efficacy
Research indicates that chiropractic care for infants is safe and rarely associated with adverse events. A public inquiry in Australia found that among nearly 22,000 parents who took their children to chiropractors, 99.7% reported a positive experience, with improvements in issues like colic, breastfeeding difficulties, and sleep disturbances.
If your baby is experiencing discomfort, consulting a chiropractor trained in pediatric care may offer a gentle and effective solution. By addressing nervous system imbalances, chiropractic care can support your baby’s comfort and development, providing relief for both infants and parents.
For more insights, watch Dr. Heidi Haavik discuss the benefits of chiropractic care for infants: